Winnipeg police arrest 5th suspect in catalytic converter theft investigation
Posted July 21, 2026 12:02 pm.
A man wanted by Winnipeg police – the fifth suspect in an investigation into the thefts of catalytic converters – was arrested Monday.
The Winnipeg Police Service says Jay Heckert, 44, was arrested by the force’s property crime unit. He was charged with theft under $5,000 and mischief to property under $5,000. The allegations against him have not been tested in court.
Heckert became the fifth suspect arrested in an investigation into a string of catalytic converter thefts that police say caused more than $20,000 in damage across the city.
Officials launched the investigation in May after seeing a spike in reports of catalytic converter thefts. Police say surveillance video helped identify several suspects believed to be connected to thefts reported between April and June.
In total, investigators linked 13 thefts over the course of two months at locations across Winnipeg.
Once a catalytic converter is removed, a vehicle can’t be driven until it’s replaced. And it’s a costly fix: in the $2,000 range for some vehicles.
Manitoba Public Insurance recommends parking in well-lit areas, public parking lots or personal garages.
